Eternal Dominion Book Review

 

Review of Eternal Dominion by Dan Hardez

Dan Hardez opens The Eden Vault series in a kingdom where royal power, ancient mysteries, and enormous prehistoric creatures coexist uneasily. As the tragedy of Northshard approaches, the story follows several people whose paths are beginning to converge: Cerelia, a scholarly princess drawn to the secrets of the Eden Vault; her formidable sister Kendra; Cinderr, a fighter navigating dangerous court politics; and Fenix, a soldier whose mission becomes harder to reconcile with his conscience.

The setting is the book’s greatest strength. Invaskalon, built into the side of a mountain, feels distinct, while the creatures are woven into travel, warfare, and daily life rather than appearing only for spectacle. Hardez also gives the conflict a personal core. Cerelia’s search for knowledge and recognition, Kendra’s difficult relationship with her family, and Fenix’s growing doubts give the large scale intrigue human stakes. King Gadrion’s use of the Dark Crown adds a disturbing dimension to the question of who can be trusted.

This is a substantial, violent fantasy with many viewpoint characters, places, and invented terms. I sometimes had to slow down to keep track of them, particularly early on. Readers who enjoy detailed worldbuilding and several interlocking storylines will likely welcome that breadth; readers looking for a quick, self-contained adventure should know that this first book leaves major questions open.

Eternal Dominion offers a vivid world, tense action, and characters facing choices that become increasingly costly. Its ending gives the next installment a strong emotional and narrative starting point.

Goodreads Review

https://www.goodreads.com/review/show/8996019575


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